General Manoj Mukund Naravane, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Wednesday arrived in Srinagar on a two-day visit to Kashmir to review the prevailing security situation.
On arrival at Srinagar, the Army Chief, accompanied by Lt Gen YK Joshi, the Northern Army Commander and Lt Gen DP Pandey, Chinar Corps Commander visited units and formations in the hinterland where he was briefed by the local Commanders on the existing security situation and the measures being taken to identify and target the Over Ground Workers (OGWs) network involved in radicalization and recruitment of youth into militant ranks.
Efforts to prevent local recruitment and facilitate the surrender of local militants were also discussed, a statement issued to the news agency.
Interacting with troops, the COAS expressed his appreciation to the Army men and commanders who are relentlessly battling the dual challenges of Pakistan-backed militancy and the global pandemic.
He further reinforced the need to be prepared to meet emerging security challenges effectively. Later, the COAS was briefed by the Chinar Corps Commander on the overall situation pertaining to the Line of Control and the hinterland.
The Army Chief complimented the excellent synergy exhibited by all sections of the Civil Administration, Jammu Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces and other security agencies in projecting a ‘Whole of Government’ approach that has resulted in improvement in the security situation conducive for fostering a new era of development in the UT.
In the evening, the COAS called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan and discussed the emerging challenges and road map for long-term peace in J&K.
The LG appreciated the role played by the Indian Army in restoring and preserving peace in the UT and providing aid to the civil authorities against the COVID 19 pandemic—(KNO)